I don't understand the advantages of a Bed Rack

[eaglerugby04]

I wish it were as simple as 4 bolts for me. It always takes me time to line it back up and dial it in. Usually the rods need a small tweak as well.
Otherwise I get small leaks here and there. And if I don't tighten down the bolts with just the right amount of tension, one of the clamps pops off. I've started to using 'jam nuts' on top.

i had to remove mine once. put paint outlines where the corners of the center part need to go on the bed caps. was able to get it lined back up by just putting those on. Still something I never want to do, but it beats the almost impossible job of lineing it by myself.

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[Rockabillyroy]

i had to remove mine once. put paint outlines where the corners of the center part need to go on the bed caps. was able to get it lined back up by just putting those on. Still something I never want to do, but it beats the almost impossible job of lineing it by myself.

I've removed mine a few times. Twice to shim up the center of the bed caps. I used both painters tape and paint marker. Somehow, I still messed it up. hahaha....

 

[Alans17]

I haven’t found a perfect solution, but this is what I’ve done. I needed a cover but I also needed extra storage - all while being somewhat removable. I really like the Upper Decker, but it’s too heavy for me to remove without help.

I should mention that the reason I went this route in the first place was in preparation for a 3-week camping road trip. Had that not been in the cards, the back would probably still be empty. And when I get home, perhaps I’ll hang it from the garage ceiling.

But I do like having a bed cover so I can pop off the freedom panels whenever and wherever I want.

EDIT: To clarify, I (probably) wouldn’t drive with the basket up. That’s intended as a convenience feature for loading and unloading. But for short hauls of big loads, I guess I could string a ratchet strap through the back windows to hold it up.

 

[Motoarch]

if you don't understand the need then you don't need one.

why worry about it.

I use mine everyday and it allows me to leave my bed open so I can use it for other things, which I do, every day.

 

[mojocho]

Several folks have asked why worry about. Just want to clarify that I'm asking to expand my knowledge. It's not meant to begrudge those who have it, but learn how they use it and for what purpose. Maybe I don't camp often enough to justify purchasing for a RTT, but if there are other uses that expand it's utilization, then the cost of purchasing and the limiting factors of it could be overcome.

I first started my jeep journey years ago, I didn't know much of anything about jeeps or cars for that matter. The great thing about forums like this is to learn from others... And to just find other ways to empty every pocket.

I appreciate the comments and sharing how you use it.

 

[Motoarch]

Several folks have asked why worry about. Just want to clarify that I'm asking to expand my knowledge. It's not meant to begrudge those who have it, but learn how they use it and for what purpose. Maybe I don't camp often enough to justify purchasing for a RTT, but if there are other uses that expand it's utilization, then the cost of purchasing and the limiting factors of it could be overcome.

I first started my jeep journey years ago, I didn't know much of anything about jeeps or cars for that matter. The great thing about forums like this is to learn from others... And to just find other ways to empty every pocket.

I appreciate the comments and sharing how you use it.

Because there's know knowledge to expand on. You either need the additional storage or you don't.

And it has nothing to do with camping.

Why is camping the only reason to have a rack? Maybe you need it to carry tools or kayaks or in my case bikes.

Could be any number of reasons.

Again if you can't think of a reason you need the extra storage then don't worry about it because it doesn't matter.

Sounds like you're looking for someone to give you a reason to waste money on shit you don't need. If you want one cause you think it's cool then just buy it already and stop trying to find an excuse.

 

[Forum Crawler]

Because there's know knowledge to expand on. You either need the additional storage or you don't.

And it has nothing to do with camping.

Why is camping the only reason to have a rack? Maybe you need it to carry tools or kayaks or in my case bikes.

Could be any number of reasons.

Again if you can't think of a reason you need the extra storage then don't worry about it because it doesn't matter.

Sounds like you're looking for someone to give you a reason to waste money on shit you don't need. If you want one cause you think it's cool then just buy it already and stop trying to find an excuse.

+1

A rack on a 5 foot bed makes a lot of sense if you carry kayaks etc. A rack like Leitner makes gives tons of storage and other attachment point options. And allows for taller “elephants” or whatever was in the OP here.

The Leitner ACS was a game changer for me. YMMV.

 

[MPMB]

if you don't understand the need then you don't need one.

why worry about it.

I think it's a little FOMO. If a lot of people have racks, what am I missing, if I don't have a rack? Racks are a relatively new thing in the US for off-road/camping. We've had roof racks and tailgate options. But until recently, bed racks were usually confined to construction racks.

I have stuff on my racks already so it's one less thing to store in my tiny garage and one less thing to load & latch down.

A few years ago my wife goes, "You want to head over to Glacier for the 4th?" I'm like, sure. It was July 3rd. We loaded up and headed over. I would have been able to get a few hours of sleep had I not had to load up everything.

 

[Terminus33]

I haven’t found a perfect solution, but this is what I’ve done. I needed a cover but I also needed extra storage - all while being somewhat removable. I really like the Upper Decker, but it’s too heavy for me to remove without help.

I should mention that the reason I went this route in the first place was in preparation for a 3-week camping road trip. Had that not been in the cards, the back would probably still be empty. And when I get home, perhaps I’ll hang it from the garage ceiling.

But I do like having a bed cover so I can pop off the freedom panels whenever and wherever I want.

EDIT: To clarify, I (probably) wouldn’t drive with the basket up. That’s intended as a convenience feature for loading and unloading. But for short hauls of big loads, I guess I could string a ratchet strap through the back windows to hold it up.

If you needed to drive with the rack up what I would do is create a Support rod for each side. Buy two lengths of either threaded rod or solid rod and attach two Rod ends on each side,

Then attach one end on the drivers side of the rack that sits above the roof and the other end on the rack drivers side at about one foot back from the front of the rack on the side, Attached with a quick disconnect clevis type connector. Copy for the other side.

Rough concept.

Of course it would be mounted and adjusted to have the rack slightly more upright so it wont rattle on the roof.

 

[fst96se]

+1

A rack on a 5 foot bed makes a lot of sense if you carry kayaks etc. A rack like Leitner makes gives tons of storage and other attachment point options. And allows for taller “elephants” or whatever was in the OP here.

The Leitner ACS was a game changer for me. YMMV.

I had a JCR half rack and a decked box. Hated it. Sold them both.

I installed my LEITNER ACS Classic rack today. Gearbox XL is on the way.

Absolutey LOVE the Leitner!

 

[mojocho]

Because there's know knowledge to expand on. You either need the additional storage or you don't.

And it has nothing to do with camping.

Why is camping the only reason to have a rack? Maybe you need it to carry tools or kayaks or in my case bikes.

Could be any number of reasons.

Again if you can't think of a reason you need the extra storage then don't worry about it because it doesn't matter.

Sounds like you're looking for someone to give you a reason to waste money on shit you don't need. If you want one cause you think it's cool then just buy it already and stop trying to find an excuse.

Ok there partner. Sending you mental hugs. No need to get upset.

Maybe you could educate me and tell me how you would use your rack instead of being condescending. That's kind of the purpose of these forums. To help each other by sharing experiences.

 

[mojocho]

I had a JCR half rack and a decked box. Hated it. Sold them both.

I installed my LEITNER ACS Classic rack today. Gearbox XL is on the way.

Absolutey LOVE the Leitner!

Can you share any pictures?

 

[Motoarch]

Maybe you could educate me and tell me how you would use your rack

I did that twice already.

Just buy a rack already.

You clearly want one. Stop trying to justify it and just do it cause you want it.

 

[ACAD_Cowboy]

So... public rage over how someone is or isn't spending their money on their rig?

Am I reading this right?

I feel like we all need a big cup of coffee and file past the field glasses and marvel at the feral free range hooters in my yard.

And then CALM THE FUCK DOWN!

 

[DankjeeP]

So... public rage over how someone is or isn't spending their money on their rig?

Am I reading this right?

I feel like we all need a big cup of coffee and file past the field glasses and marvel at the feral free range hooters in my yard.

And then CALM THE FUCK DOWN!

Nice to see in the daylight.

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